The main trial for the criminal case of former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of the brutal murder of Saltanat Nukenova, has commenced on March 27. The prosecution reiterated the details of their relationship during the hearings.
Dozens of journalists attended the proceedings, entering the courtroom in groups of 20 for 20-minute intervals. The trial began with Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva explaining the media protocol and then moving on to the jury selection, with 12 individuals - mostly women - being chosen.
The prosecutor Sayahat Nurbekov then began his statement, detailing how Bishimbayev's relationship with Nukenova turned violent, leading to physical abuse and control over her activities. The prosecutor also mentioned that Bishimbayev proposed relocating to Almaty in 2023, which Nukenova agreed to in hopes of improving their situation.
Earlier, Prosecutor Aizhan Aymaganova had revealed the gruesome details of Nukenova's murder during a preliminary hearing. Nurbekov added that Bishimbayev stopped beating Nukenova when he thought she was no longer alive.
Bishimbayev, however, denied the charges brought against him, stating that the accusations were largely fabricated and unsubstantiated. The trial will resume on March 29 for further questioning of witnesses and the victim.
